July 30, 2010

New tools and variables in AutoCAD 2011 separate 3D object snaps from 2D object snaps. A new 3D Object Snap toggle is available on the status bar, enabling you to toggle 3D object snaps on and off. Right‐clicking on the status bar icon provides access to a menu of the 3D object snaps and the Settings option, which links to the new 3D Object Snap tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box. You can also access these controls via the shift‐right‐click menu, or at the command line using the new 3DOSNAP command and 3DOSMODE system variable.

July 12, 2010

Scale list functionality has been enhanced in AutoCAD 2011 to store a customizable default list of annotation scales in the fixed profile of the registry. You can use the default scale list to define a customized list of scales that automatically displays in all your drawings. A scale list is still maintained in the drawing, but you can easily reset the scale list in the drawing to the default list of scales (metric or imperial) defined in the registry. When the scale list in a drawing is reset, AutoCAD purges the unused scales in the drawing and then merges in the customized list of scales from the registry into the drawing. You can customize the Default Scale List from the User Preferences Tab of the Options dialog box. You can still edit the scale list stored in the drawing by accessing the scale control on the Status bar or with the SCALELISTEDIT command.

The Default Scale List dialog box is similar to the existing Edit Scale List dialog, which edits the scales in the drawing. However, the Default Scale List dialog box includes additional controls for you to specify whether the default scales are metric or imperial.

When you reset the scales list in a drawing, you are prompted to select Metric scales, Imperial scales, or both. The default choice is governed by the MEASUREMENT variable in the drawing. When you create a new drawing without specifying a template, AutoCAD adds metric or imperial scales based on the MEASUREMENT variable. When you create a new drawing based on a template, the scales in the template appear in the new drawing. The scales in the registry are not imported.

July 08, 2010

Autodesk recently introduced the new Autodesk Design Suite to extend the power of your familiar AutoCAD workflow by integrating Autodesk’s leading design and visualization software into a single, cost-effective package. You can choose from three different levels of the Autodesk Design Suite. The Standard suite includes AutoCAD, Autodesk Alias Sketch, and Autodesk Showcase. The Premium suite includes those applications as well as Autodesk 3DS Max Design. The Advanced suite includes everything from the Premium suite plus Autodesk Alias Design.

Together these applications provide a powerful, integrated toolset to help you conceptualize, visualize, analyze, and communicate your designs efficiently and effectively.

July 07, 2010

It’s time, once again, for the annual AUGI Salary Survey. The more people that respond, the more accurate the results! Your participation is anonymous so please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. The results will be compiled and published in AUGI World magazine this fall. Learn more on www.augi.com.